Customs exempts perishables from punitive action

Penalty for late bills won't apply, writes Alan Peat A PLEADING response from one of our readers - praying that fruit & vegetables were not included amongst the export goods for which customs intended to slap on a hefty penalty for late submission of bills of entry - followed publication of a recent article in FTW. "With fruit & vegetable exports it is impossible to submit bills of entry in time as the products get packed at the last minute due to their nature. "I hope the penalties refer to non-perishable cargo only." Well, smile with relief, Tanja Schrumpf of Gaertner's. We have spoken to Debbie Nortje of Hellmann Worldwide Logistics - from whom the original warning came - and she informs FTW that perishables are indeed still exempt from retributive action by customs. This, she said, falls under the statement from SARS (SA Revenue Services) which reads: "No goods may be exported prior to processing of the export bills of entry - with the exception of goods subject to export verification (e.g. wine and fresh produce), which is under review and will be dealt with on its own merits."